The Apostolic Nuncio was joined by: Archbishop of Vrhbosna Metropolitan Msgr. Tomo Vukšić, Canon of the Vrhbosna Chapter and Rector of the Cathedral, Rev. Marko Zubak, Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature Msgr. Javier Camañes-Forés, and 14 other priests.

Religious sisters from various congregations, theologians, and other believers devoutly participated in the Holy Mass, which renews the greatest mysteries: the institution of the Holy Eucharist, the priestly order, and Jesus' commandment of brotherly love. After the hymn Glory to God in Heaven was sung, all the bells rang and after that they will not ring again until the Vigil Mass on Easter Eve.

Jesus Knew His Hour Had Come

Archbishop Chullikatt delivered the homily on the occasion, noting in his introduction that today we celebrate the Lord's Supper, a fundamental moment in our life of faith, in which Jesus, in his infinite humility, prepares to offer his body and blood for the salvation of all humanity. Furthermore, he encouraged us that the Gospel just read introduces us to a moment of deep communion between Jesus and his disciples, but also to an occasion of great teaching, because as the evangelist John writes: Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

"The context in which we find ourselves is the supper that Jesus wanted to share with his disciples, his friends (Jn 15:15b), on the eve of his passion and death. Sharing food is an act of trust and friendship, because food connects, and in the act of sharing, the bond between friends is strengthened. Therefore, a common supper is a place where deep bonds between people are created. Thus, the Supper in the Last Supper Hall became the historical place where the sublime sacrament of the Eucharist was instituted, whose memory we celebrate tonight. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to return to the Father, but before making his sacrifice on the cross, in obedience to the Father, he wanted to give this Sacrament to his disciples as his testament of love, which would accompany them throughout their lives", explained the preacher, recalling that the evangelist John, unlike other evangelists, describes with particular attention a very moving moment that occurred during that Holy Supper; When Jesus got up from supper, laid aside his garments, took a towel, and girded himself, he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded.

Jesus takes on the role of a servant

“This is an extraordinary act that invites us to reflect on what it means to be a Christian, what it means to follow Jesus, and how we are called to live love in a concrete and radical way. Jesus, although a Teacher, humbles himself and washes the feet of his disciples. It is an act that was then considered humiliating, intended for slaves. However, Jesus is not afraid to take on the role of a servant in order to teach us that Christian love is never a love of power, but of service. Every act of Jesus during this supper speaks of a love that descends to elevate the other, a love that does not seek recognition, but is given freely. Jesus’ love is complete, without limits, and extends to the last breath”, said the archbishop.

Continuing, the preacher recalled the Writings of Saint Catherine of Siena in which this saint, among other things, says that to love means to live for the good of the other – in every deed, every word, every thought – this is the love of God revealed to us in Christ.

"Today, as we participate in this commemoration of the institution of the Eucharist, we are called to reflect on the example of humility, love and service that Jesus left us, so that we too may live these values in our daily lives. Exactly as Pope Francis reminds us: 'The Eucharist, the source and summit of the entire Christian life, is the gift that Jesus gives us of himself - out of a love that humbles itself, gives itself, becomes present for each of us in order to touch every heart. It is a love that becomes sacrifice, that becomes service, that becomes acceptance'", emphasized the nuncio and concluded by making us aware that we are all called to be disciples of Jesus not only by receiving His body and blood in the Eucharist, but also by embodying daily the love and service that He taught us.

Adoration in Silence

At the end of the Holy Mass of the Lord's Supper, after the intercommunal prayer, Archbishop Chullikatt carried the Sacred Mystery in a solemn procession and deposited it in the side nave, where the faithful will come on Good Friday and Holy Saturday to pray in silence. After the incense, adoration continued before the Blessed Sacrament in silence, and the altar was stripped bare.

During the Holy Mass of the Lord's Supper, the liturgical singing was animated by the Cathedral Mixed Choir Josip Stadler under the direction of Rev. Marko Stanušić, and was assisted by the theologians of the Vrhbosna Theological Seminary under the leadership of Rev. Ivan Rako.